Arch and wall



April 11, 1944. p. w Gm I 2346538 I ARcI-I AND WALL Filed Sept. 12, 1959 2 Shee'ts-Sh eet Fl .Iz 4

[/wen/or April 11,'1944.

P.- -WRIGHT RH AND WALL Filed se t 2 1939 2 Sheets-S heet 2 desired.

Patented A r. 11, 1944 UNITED 'STATES ?ATENT OFFICE 12 Claims.

This invention relates to arches, baies or walls, and structures which may or may not utilize a cooling medium that passes through tubes related to same.

A general object of my invention is to provide for furnac'es a structure that will endure high temperatures and transfer much of the heat passing through related tubes to a cooling medium; a structure that can be repaired or replaced in parts, while in or out of service; a structure that can provide surfaces disposed in horizontal, inclined, vertical and approximately curved sections. such structures may have the form of an arch or baffle or wall. e

A further object is to provide an enclosure for replaced .in-parts; an arch that can be fiat, also be approximately shaped to a contour. v

A ;further object is to'provide an arch having a'single 'tube'or row of single tubes conveying a. fluid cooling medium through same; an arch having a double tube or plurality of tubes spaced for 'conveying a fluid cooling medium through same. i

A still further object, is to provide tubes incased in a bafile which can withstand heat on both exposed sides of said baflle, whose parts can be repaired or replaced as specified and spaced passages provided through the bafie if A further object is to provide a fluid cooled baffie or arch constructed with tubes incased in parts having difierent degrees of heat absorption.

Another feature is to provide through the arch or 'wall structure, open passages or holes between the' tubes, whereby the tubes are not exposed at. said holes. i s

A further specific object is to provide an arch, baffleorlateral structure comprising a side of the type described, which has a wrapping or covering on the tubes for cushioning the impact between "parts and related tubes so as to reduoe breakage;

4 further, an object of thesaid wrapping or covering of the' tubes, is to efiect an improved adherence between the tubes and related structure. The various features which characterize my invention are stipulated in the claims annexed i to and forming a part of this specication. For

an understanding of the invention, and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which I have illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.

Of the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an inclined arch embodying the invention. such an arch may be used as a wall structure.

Fig. 2 is an end view of two similar tube blocks that comprise parts of the arch Fig. 1.

Fig. 3' is a sideview of the tube blocks shown by Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an end view of an intermediate spacer that comprises a part of the arch Fig. 1.

Fig. 5. is a side view of the spacer shown by Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a side view of -a modified tube block, which is formed to fit a curved tube.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of Fig. 6, as taken on a radial plane.

Fig. 8 is an end view of the spacer shown in side View by Fig. 9. The forms illustrated by Figs. 6 and 9, are suitable for use together.

Fig. 10 is an end view of a side spacer block and Fig. 11 is a side .view of the same.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of a bame embodying the invention and shows the tubes in upright position. The same construction may be arranged with the tubes horizontally disposed above each other.

Fig. 13 is an end view of two similar tube blocks that comprise part of the baiile Fig. 12, andFig. 14 in a side view of the same, while Fig. 15 shows a sectional view, taken transversely of both blocks, on center of the tube.

Fig. 16 is an elevation of an assembly of a portion of a vertical bafile or wall embodying my invention and Fig. '17 is a sectional View of the assembly. Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is an assembly of tube blocks and intermediate spacers, showing said blocks with a modification of the recessed part.

Fig. 19 is an end view of two similar tube blocks arranged for two tubes and Fig. 20 is a side view of the same.

Fig. 21 shows an assembly of modified forms fbtube blocks and' a spacer as related to square u es.

Fig. 22 shows a wrapped tube in contact with a tube block, of which Fig. 23 is an end view indicating the method of assembly as embodied in my invention.

Fig. 24 shows a further modified shape of tube blocks and spacer.

Fig. 25 shows a structure made with plane and curved portions, the View being in the plane of the curved tube. The blocks of Figs. 3 and 6 also the related spacers of Figs. 5 and 9, are used as shown.

In the arch embodying my invention as shown by Fig. 1, its position for this example, may with horizontal tubes, be inclined or horizontal. Tubes I preferably having a cooling medium passing through same, serve as tubular beams to support blocks 2 and spacers (f, placed as shown by Fig. 1. Also with tubes set upright or sloping, the Construction may serve as a wall; furthermore, with tubes arranged one above another, the Construction may serve as a wall;

The tube blocks 2 in this example, are shaped in a manner to contact the exterior surface of the tube, yet not touch each other when fitted' around the tube and withadjacent sides approximately i parallel. The spacers 3 are positioned between the tube blocks 2 with the lug end upward to prevent sliding downward.

Heretofore blocks incasing tubes have been used in boiler furnace walls; however such constructions have not employed intermediate spacers whereby individual blocks may be removed and replaced in the improved manner herein described. i

Referring to Figs. 2-4, my novel arrangement' for placing or removing blocks 2 and spacer 3 between tubes l, is based on'the relation that, the thickness of the: intermediate spacer as at S+ shall be greater than the normal recessed depth of the adjacent tube block as at S. Thus in the assembly betwee two tubes, if spacer 3 be withdrawn, then a single tube block `2 adjacent may be withdrawn thereafter, permitting either or both blocks 2 on each side of the spacer to be removed and replaced, and from above or below the tubes.

As regards the shape of tube blocks as shown by Fig. 2, I'have found by* experiment that the side Contacting the spacer may in the .case of fire olay refractories, be made slightly tapered as shown, to avoid a tendency to bend the tube blocks under a possible wedging efiect. This wedging occurs when placing blocks Originally or when removing the blocks that may have their faces slagged after furnace service. This shape has a further advantage that expansion between the assembled blocks and spacers is resisted between' tube bearing surfaces and not near the exposed faces of the blocks. Thus if 'tubes be flexibly held in positiongthe arch can expand and contract without rupturing (for example) the cheaper fragil'e classes of material otherwise satisfactory for` use.

A 'further specific advantage and novelty of my invention, is the facility and usefulness of being able to remove the individual blocks as shown by Fig. 2, which may have been fused or worn on the exposed side, and'again placing same with the opposite face to the exposed positions. Thus the life of the'blocksis lengthened in service, also the need for spare or replacement blocks is lessened.

The lug projeotion on intermediate spacers, also acts to prevent dust from entering between the spacer lug portion and the adjoining block. providing the effect of a closed joint therebetween yet permitting a suitable clearance at the portions of spacer between the related blocks.

In Fig. 3, I show a companon view of Fig. 2, being blocks for straight tubes, Fig. 6 and Fig. "I show a partial sector shaped to fit a curved portion of tube. With tube blocks like Figs. 6-7, I use spacers like Figs. 8-9.

An embodiment of my invention is illustrated by Fig. 12 in the form .of an'upright lateral structure that employs similar parts to those shown in Fig. 1 but these blocks are modified as shown by Figs. 13, 14, 15. such a structure is usable as a baflle or partition or wall, positioned in an upright or sloping position.

The type structure as of Fig. 12, provides an improvement over plastic refractory Construction, as a baflie that incases upright tubes having a furnace exposure, and with furnace gases passing against and beneath the :baflie,as in a boiler. r

An existing structure in the form of Fig; 12, advantageously can be modified in'sizeby taking off or adding the blocks and spacers so as tosuit different fumace Operating 'conditions .related thereto.

Furthermore the *structure shown 'by Fig. 12 is adaptable as a wallor partition where the tubes are horizontally disposed above eachrother and, with the tubes in horizontal 'position, the lugs 4 are omitted. The lugs are not claimedaspart of the invention.

Tubes la may have lugs"4 Secured to same, whereby blocks za would rest'on'lug 4,'when necessary. An understandingof the features of these blocks 2a will be had from2Fig. 13,.-Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 showing'typical'details. As 2 shows, provision is made forsimilar tube: contact; but the spacer as in Fig. 4, Fig."5 haslits lug upper side transversed to the' tube axis. Thus'the tube blocks are shaped or grooved'` on the faces, to receive the lug of the spacer ina'mannerfor it to slide in or out.

Therefore in similar manner to 'the 'assembly shown by Fig. 1, the tube blocks 2a1and spacer 3 in Fig. 12 are removable. The'arch f' Fig'. 1 can be constructed with the lug portion'of the spacer 3 made flush with the upper side of blocks 2, without departing from the invention.

Where it is desirable to provide .passage 32) through the wall yet not expose the tube, a Shortened spacer like 3a, corresponding to Figs. 4 and 5 can be advantageously employed.

Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 show a spacer with lugen one side to contact the tube block and the other side fiat to adjoin a wall' surface.

In the modification illustrated by Figs. 16 and 17, I show the construction example 'of a'boiler wall in vertical or sloping position, wherein the tube blocks have a greater degree of heat absorption than the spacers. For tubes spacedin customary wide and narrow rows -as shown, the clearances for using parts` like Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 may be limiting, where` for example thinnerisections' may advantageously be made of metal instead of refractory for the blocks Contacting the tubes, yet of refractory for the spacers. For ordinary boiler uses, I prefer' cast iron for the tube blocks, whereby heat will be conducted to the tubes. The refractory serves as afiller between these metal shapes; itreflects -heat and resists passage of heat through the intermediate spacers. Refractory spacers usually cost less `and wei-gh, less: than ::metal :spacers, although-.metal couldibe .used.

.-In Figs.`16 and 17, tubes lb may beprovided with welded supports `Ab `which s extend partally into the' narrow. space between tubes, 'hence ido not nterfere with tube removal through the other wide spaces. Tubeslc may be provided with narrow supports 4c that clearthe space between tubes. The use of supports db and'flc is optional;

`My novel arrangement of Fig. 1 7 for-placing or removing the blocks Contacting' the tubes, -a1so the'spacers,'is understood from the relation -existing; 'that the spacer is wider (indicated by S+) than the depth of recess of the block contacting the tube (indicated by S). u

In Fig. 16, 'the metalblocks 5' Contacting tubes *lb-and `|c are shaped to'fit the tube and are used in the wide space and can rest' on supports dband 40 as shown. Also'blocks 5 have'a lug at the bottom, to support the spacers 8 'or &a as'shown. 'Blocks 6 are-similar'to 5` but do not have the lugs, as B-extendsthe height of `5- plus 6, or less as for sa. Likewise metal blocks 1 contacting tubes, areused: in the 'narrow space and can rest on supports 'db 'and 40 as shown, also spacers 9 are placed as shown. By using a spacer sa of length less'than 5 and' E combined, an opening 8b through the structure is provided, yet the tube is not exposed.

Obviously the structural parts can be placed or removed from either side if adjacent clearance permits; the structure is suitable and satisfactory for `exposure of either or i both sides as a conductive, tube covering. The construction is not' limited to boilers.

I do not limit my invention to the exact shapes of recessed blocks and. spacers as shownby the drawings, since the 1ugof the spacer and the corresponding groove of the block related, are changeable in shape without departing from the specification and the claims. Also the invention is not limited to blocks that are `symmetrical in pair-s, since related blocks may be made one thicker-than the other, as shown in Fig. 17. `Also Fig. 16 shows spacers 8 that are wider than blocks, 5 or 6.

Fig. 18 showsan embodiment of my invention, utilizing a relatively stronger material than fire clay refractory for the tube blocks-and a material which will reasonably :resist ucompression due to expansion. The 'related' spacer is made of material that will allow for acompression, such as expansion would produce. -As .one example of this assembly, I- prefer silicon carbide to make the tube blocks and -refractory plastic combined wthmineral woo1tomake -up the spacer. As in Fig. 18 .the tube blockscan abut about the tube, as the holethrough same issuitably larger than the tube on'whichsaid blocks are supported. The .upper .part of ithe spacer forms an efiective seal,-.=althoxthefiat'part 'of 'the spacer may have-been' slightly compressed.

Another form of tube'block. is shown by Fig. 19 ;and Fig. 20, as arranged' for' use-With either two; single tubes or two tubes having an. integral webbetween them. For wide 'spans of arch,the combination of two tubes'furnishes a Stifler and stronger beam than a single tube, where the same size tubes-:are employed; further, a tubular beam supporting two tubes integrally joined with a web, furnishes a still stiffer and stronger beam than the two tubes not so joined.

An advantage of two or more tubes thus employed is 'the' facility :to provide increased area for the fluid thereinto absorb heat, resulting: in Safer supports under high temperature" service.

Fig.. 21 is an'illustration of the use: of square tubes insteadofround tubes, in other illustrations I've shown, for the invention is not. limited to the shape of the tube acting as a support-and' conveyor of a cooling medium. i

'In :practice I have discovered there are advantages and improvements gained by wrapping or covering the tube with a softer material (than the tubes are made of) for the purpose of cushioning the impact between blocks and tubes; For example, I illustrate i Fig. 22 and Fig. '23 a wrapping lil of strip asbestos composition around the tube 'L The asbestos composition will accommodate the ordinary unevenness of reiractory blocks to a i'lt about the tube, without having to unduly crush uneven projectionsor surfaces not trueto intended shape. The wrap ping is advantageous'to ofiset the effects of deformation due to deflection of the tubular beam under loadings causing deflection. A "further improvement by wrapping or covering with' an insulating type of strip is the retarding'of'heat flow to the tube and its cooling medium, and thus the rate of absorption can be variedby' the proportion of insulation employed. This is use-` tul in providing an arch intended to "soak heat for intensifying reectedheat conditions about same.

Another example of my invention of the wrap'- ping feature is illustrated by applying. strip or sheet lead about the tubes. The lead being softer than the blocks will provide an improved contact between the tube and block aspresse'd together. .Also the lead being a better conductor of heat than refractory, it serves to improve heat transfer between ,block and tube. A soft metal wrapping or covering, as for example -of strip lead, is also advantageous to cover the. tubes for assembling metal tube blocksas in the forms shown by Figs. 16 and `1'7.

For example, such cast iron blocks usually` are machined to assure tube contact; but my improvement of using a soft metal tube covering permits using cast blocksthereon not machined, and thereby the cost is less than for machined blocks. Furthermore, my use of the tube wrapping or covering, in combination with silicon carbide blocks is advantageous in improving the adherence and fit of said blocks to the tubes.

Furnace roof closures have heretofore 'been used, that employ tapered' blocks supported. from structural supports and having tapered Wedge blocks intermediate with the supported blocks. Also a conditional use of such constructionyis, usually that'one side must be exposed to atmosphere for cooling the support. By comparison my invention as illustrated by Fig. zgp'ovides tapered tube blocks with' an intermediate tapered wedge, :WhChz structure protects the tube and assures its functioning as a beam and'conveyor of the cooling medium, 'with 'exposure 'to extreme heat 'or cold on either or both sides.

In some arches and walls of this invention,'1 use` the tubes Without circulating a cooling'medium through same. In others Where acooling medium is used, Iprefer to employ aim-gas, oil, steam or water, in various structures and I therefore use the term "coolingmedium" as a general description for any of these. But I do not limit the kind of cooling medium to those named, since there are other heat absorbing substances that are usable as a cooling medium, also suitable to my invention. e.

What is claimed is:

1. An imperforate structure subjected to the action of heat,--said structure a plurality of substantially parallel tubes, a' plurality of spaced rows of blocks each of said rows including pairs of contacting blocks provided with recesses and surrounding one of said tubes; and spacers between the blocks in one of said rows and the blocks in an adjacent row, to hold said blocks in place on said tubes; each spacer comprised of one piece whose width is that of the adjacent blocks and whose thickness exceeds the depth of the tube recess in the adjacent blocks-whereby each block is directly removable transversely to either side of said structure, after the contactingspacer is removed.

2. The structure of claim 1 in which said blocks and spacers are so shaped and arranged that they are reversible after being worn by usage.

3. The structure of claim 1, in which the lateral surface of said structure has plane and curved portions.

4. In a furnace, a structure that comprises a plurality of substantially parallel tubes, a layer of insulation in contact with and surrounding said tubes; a plurality of spaced rows of blocks each of said rows including pairs of Contacting blocks provided with recesses and surrounding one of said insulated tubes; and spacers occupying the space between the 'blocks in one of said rows and the blocks in an adjacent row, to hold said blocks in place on said insulated tubes; each spacer comprised of one piecewhose thickness exceeds the depth of the tube recess in the adjacent b1ocks,-whereby said structure retards the passage of heat to said tubes thus permitting said blocks and spacers to absorb heat.

5. A structure subjected to the action of heat,- said structure a plurality of substantially parallel tubes, a layer of cushioning material around and. in contact with said tubes; a plurality of spaced rows of blocks, each of said rows including pairs of Contacting blocks provided with recesses and surrounding one of said cushioned tubes; and spacers occupying the space between the blocks in one of said rows and the blocks in an adjacent row, to hold said blocks in place on said cushioned tubes; each spacer comprised of one 'piece whose thickness exceeds the depth of the tube recess in the adjacent b1ocks,-whereby said cushioning material will decrease breakage due to the expansive action of heat within said structure.

6. A wall comprising a plurality of substantially parallel tubes, a plurality of spaced rows of blocks each of said rows including pairs of Contacting blocks provided with recesses and surrounding one of said tubes; and lug shaped spacers occupying the space between the blocks in one of said rows and the blocks in an adjacent row, to hold said blocks in assembled relation on said tubes; each spacer comprised of one piece whose portions of different thicknesses form its said lug shape whereby the minimum thickness of said spacer exceeds the depth of the tube recess in the adjacent blocks.

7. A structure that comprises a plurality of substantially parallel tubes, a plurality of spaced rows of blocks each of said rows including pairs ama-638 of Contacting blocks provided with recesses and surrounding one of said tubes; and spacers occupying the space between the blocksin one of said rows and the blocks in an adjacent row thereby holding said blocks in place on said tubes; each spacer composed of material less firm and more resilient than the material of said block, and each spacer ,comprised of one piece .whose thickness exceeds the depth of the tube recess in the adjacent blocks, whereby the pressure between said blocks is decreased during the expansion of said structure.`

8. In a structure of the character described, a row of spaced substantially parallel tubes, co Operating pairs of tube .blocks incasing said tubes,-each block having arecess therein partially embracing its associated tube, and spacers occupying the space between the blocks on adjacent tubes thereby holding said blocks in place whereby the side of the block Contacting the spacer is opposite the block's side that is re cessed, and each spacer having a thickness greater than the depth of the recesses in the adiacent blocks.

9. In a structure of the character described, a row of spaced substantially parallel tubes, cooperating pairs of tube blocks incasing said tubes,- each block having a recess therein partially embracing its associated tube, and spacers occupying the space between the blocks on adjacent tubes to hold said blocks in place whereby the side of the block Contacting the spacer is opposite the block's side that is recessed, and each spacer having a thickness greater than the depth of the recesses in the adjacent blocks, and said spacers arranged to provide thru said structure holes which are bounded by said separated spacers and related blocks.

10. In a structure of the character described, a row of spaced substantially parallel tubes, cooperating pairs of tube blocks incasing said tubes,- each block having a recess therein partially embracing its associated tube, and spacers occupying the space between the blocks on adjacent tubes thereby holding said blocks in place whereby the side of the block Contacting the spacer is opposite the block's side that is recessed, and each spacer having a th'ckness greater than the depth of the recesses in the adjacent blocks, and a' cushioning material interposed between the blocks and the tubes.

11. In a structure of the character described, a pair of substantially parallel tubes and between said tubes two rows of co-operating blocks each having a recess therein partially embracing one of said tubes, and unitary spacers occupying the space between said blocks in one of said rows and the -blocks of the adjacent row, and each spacer of a thickness that exceeds the depth of recess in the adjacent blocks.

12. In a structure of the character described, a pair of substantially parallel tubes and -be'- tween said tubes two rows of co-operating blocks each having a recess therein partially embracing one of said tubes, and unitary spacers arranged in the space between said blocks in one of said rows and the blocks of the adjacent row to hold said blocks in place, and each spacer of a th'ckness that exceeds the depth of recess in the adjacent blocks, and said unitary spacers disposed to provide openings thru said structure.

PAUL WEIGHT. 

